Nonprofit Management, Financial Management
PR Newswire | January 10, 2024
In a remarkable leap towards a community-led energy future, Energy Allies, the startup energy justice nonprofit based in Boston and New York, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Liberty Mutual Foundation.
Renowned for actively involving and working alongside communities most impacted by climate change, Energy Allies imagines a future where every person lives in flourishing, resilient homes powered independently by clean energy. At the heart of their strategy lies the innovative Community Advisory Board (CAB), a collective of community members and organizational representatives compensated for their essential role in developing and endorsing local green energy solutions.
"In our quest for equitable access to sustainable power sources, this grant represents a significant step toward building sturdy, self-reliant communities. It enables us to expedite our community-driven initiatives while reinforcing the conviction that given opportunities, communities are best positioned to lead progress towards clean energy," says Sara Chandler, Chairperson of Energy Allies' Board of Directors.
The first CAB established in Boston ensures that community-led solar projects align with the specific needs of the locality. In partnership with PUSH Buffalo in Buffalo, NY, another CAB was formed under Energy Allies' guidance, with community leadership designing an energy project to create intergenerational wealth for those living in communities most impacted by climate change.
"Yesenia Rivera, Executive Director at Energy Allies, adds, "This funding propels us into new heights of fulfilling our mission objectives. Our approach centered around communities, exemplified by Community Advisory Boards, is pivotal in making lasting impacts. We appreciate the support that allows us to expand our efforts to build equitable clean energy solutions."
Being a significant contributor to the movement towards fair access to clean energy, Energy Allies strategically partners with community members, local organizations, and property owners. Together, they pinpoint ideal locations for green energy projects and devise programs to democratize the power system for all community dwellers.
Community-driven power represents an innovative solution addressing challenges posed by unreliable, costly, and potentially dangerous traditional grids. Energy Allies emphasizes the importance of a movement led by communities advocating for energy justice while highlighting the risk of worsening existing issues without it.
With its roots in research, Energy Allies has emerged as a leader concerning income-eligible community solar access. In collaboration with the Department of Energy, MIT, and Stanford University, this nonprofit developed 'Energy Score,' an accurate predictor of energy payments inclusive to all households. Through alliances with the Department of Energy Solar Technologies Office (SETO), it advocates policies promoting equal inclusion across all income brackets, emphasizing communities' vital role in co-designing local power.
This $100,000 funding from Liberty Mutual Foundation places an already impactful organization - 'Energy Allies', into a position where it could further amplify its contributions towards cleaner and more balanced prospects. This financial boost will kickstart community-led solar initiatives while strengthening efforts to eliminate historical disparities in access to clean energy resources.
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Nonprofit Management, Financial Management
PR Newswire | January 03, 2024
Recognizing the escalating demands faced by community nonprofits, the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in Alexandria, Virginia, proudly announces its recent distribution of $65,000 to seven deserving nonprofits. These funds are poised to amplify the significant impact these organizations have both locally in the metropolitan Washington region and on a broader national scale.
USSFCU President and CEO, Timothy L. Anderson, emphasized the credit union's longstanding commitment to community welfare, stating, "Giving back to the communities in which we live and work has always been integral to our mission. Through these donations, we aim to express our gratitude to these organizations for their tireless efforts in strengthening our communities."
The donations, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, have been strategically allocated to support regional food pantries, shelters, and disaster relief programs. Each beneficiary was carefully chosen by USSFCU's leadership team, reflecting a deep connection to the hearts and minds of credit union staff.
The initiative commenced in mid-December, as Anderson and a select group of USSFCU representatives embarked on a series of check presentations at local locations. During these visits, they gained insights into the impactful work undertaken by each organization and presented them with a symbolic check.
Beneficiary organizations and their respective donations include
Capital Area Food Bank - $20,000
SOME (So Others Might Eat) - $10,000
Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation - $10,000
ALIVE! (Alexandria) - $5,000
Carpenter's Shelter - $5,000
American Red Cross – $15,000
In addition to the monetary contributions, USSFCU actively engaged in hosting holiday donation drives, collecting toys, food, and winter essentials for the mentioned organizations. USSFCU members and staff were encouraged to participate by bringing their donations to the Credit Union's Bowman Branch location. The collected items will be delivered to the respective beneficiaries in the coming weeks, further reinforcing USSFCU's commitment to community support and well-being.
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Nonprofit Management, Nonprofit Technology
PR Newswire | January 09, 2024
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) today launched its SleepTech® Network, a new community forum for stakeholders across the sleep technology industry. The announcement comes from CES® in Las Vegas, a trade show that showcases the entire tech landscape. NSF is exhibiting at Booth 8604 in the North Hall in Tech East.
Among the inaugural members of the SleepTech® Network are organizations ranging from high-profile start-ups to representatives of the Fortune Global 500, reflecting important segments including consumer electronics, digital therapeutics, mobility, consumer home products, and sleep-monitoring AI software. Members include Asleep, Pocket Kado, PureCare, Samsung Health, Variowell, and Waymo.
NSF's SleepTech Network benefits members through education, insights, and access, including to NSF resources and each other. Each organization can stay informed and up-to-date with the latest NSF research and data on sleep health technology, while network members learn about advances with other professionals in the field of SleepTech, discuss sleep technology issues and opportunities, and interact with peers at NSF-hosted educational events.
Kickoff activities for SleepTech® Network members include a briefing on rates of electronic device use before bedtime and associated sleep characteristics, along with public beliefs about the sleep-related consequences of pre-sleep electronic use. Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, NSF's Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs will lead the briefing in February, exploring NSF's newest research results and key findings.
"NSF sees the potential SleepTech® has to help the public's health and well-being. It's a fast-growing global industry, and NSF's role is not just to advocate for and support innovation in this space, but also to do our part and help others understand and navigate it in a way that can improve sleep health," said John Lopos, NSF CEO.
NSF is committed to making science-based SleepTech more accessible and convenient so anyone and everyone can be their Best Slept Self®. For over 30 years, NSF has educated the public about the importance of sleep for health and well-being. NSF has promoted positive sleep health through published expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, technology standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep.
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Fundraising, Philanthropy
PR Newswire | January 04, 2024
Colossal Management, a pioneering force in changing the landscape of fundraising through online competitions, announces the allocation of over $23 million in donation funds raised in 2023. Colossal's unique approach to fundraising benefits both charities and competitors, bringing together communities to support important causes. Through various competitions, Colossal has successfully raised substantial amounts, and the funds are now being directed toward impactful initiatives. All donations raised from associated votes cast during a Colossal competition go directly to DTCare, a 501(c)(3) charity, which subsequently grants the donations to a designated nonprofit at the end of the competition.
The following are standout examples of the impact a Colossal competition can make.
Favorite Chef
Benefiting James Beard Foundation (JBF)
Guest Appearance: Carla Hall
2023 grant amount: over $4.7 million
The grant enables JBF to:
Dedicate extra resources to advocacy around the Farm Bill, a major piece of federal legislation.
Add another WEL (Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership) cohort to their planned programming.
Produce a new series of toolkits for the virtual resource library to support culinary entrepreneurs.
Expand JBF Leadership Workshops across the country.
Develop a series of Advocacy Meetups and mini-training refreshers to bring chefs and other culinary workers together to collaborate on key advocacy issues (sustainability, farming practices, SNAP access, healthier school lunches, etc.).
Invest in a new Sustainability Certificate program that would incentivize independent restaurants to build more robust, sustainable infrastructures.
Help support chefs in residence at Platform by JBF, the new culinary performance and dining space at Pier 57 in New York City.
"We are absolutely delighted to see how Colossal competitions bring so many people together around food, and we are deeply grateful that this initiative will benefit the Foundation's efforts to champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability." –Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation
Super Mom
Benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH)
2023 donation amount: over $2.6 million
The Super Mom campaign was the largest first-year donation they've received to date, according to Frances Fu, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer of CMNH. For every $1 raised through underwriting, CMNH turns it into $8 in donations for children's hospitals to, in turn, use where they're needed most.
The grant enables CMNH to:
Help provide charitable care.
Support research & treatments.
Provide education.
Provide advancement services.
Contribute to patient services.
Improve life-saving equipment.
"The Colossal team is amazing at building online communities through their competitions that have made an unprecedented impact for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals! Their expertise and passion for fundraising and our mission are second to none." –Todd Fisher, Sr. Director of Business Development
Fab Over 40
Benefiting National Breast Cancer Foundation
Guest Appearance: Dolores Catania
2022 donation amount: over $8.2 million
The associated grant, generously presented to NBCF by Colossal's dedicated partner, DTCare, enabled the foundation to channel resources into critical programs and services, encompassing education, detection, navigation, and inspiration for individuals battling breast cancer and their loved ones.
The grant enabled NBCF to:
Navigate support for 51,047 patients.
Provide breast health education for 16,137 women.
Give 9,771 mammograms.
Make and distribute 6,745 HOPE Kits.
Provide outreach to 1,721 women through community programs.
"Colossal has helped us provide education, early detection, and support services to thousands of women affected by breast cancer over the last two years through the Fab Over 40 Competition. We are truly grateful for their generosity." –Candice Hensley, Sr. Manager of Strategic Partnerships, NBCF
Tony Hawk's Skatepark Hero
Benefiting The Skatepark Project
Guest appearance: Tony Hawk
2023 donation amount: $768,498.50
The grant enables The Skatepark Project to:
Help build new skateparks while also funding the nearly 700 public skateparks in underserved communities across all 50 states.
Increase access to outdoor recreation and free play through the creation of safe and inclusive community skateparks.
Support 'Supply the Ride,' a program dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility by providing skateboards, helmets, and pads to youth in under-resourced communities.
Support the 'Fellowship' program, which works to guide the next generation of BIPOC skate advocates on how to create public skateparks in their own communities.
"The Skatepark Hero Competition is a celebration of the spirit and talent that drive skateboarding and will shape the future of this incredible sport!" –Tony Hawk
America's Favorite Pet
Benefiting Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
2023 grant amount: over $3.2 million
Colossal raised an impressive $3.2 million through the 2023 America's Favorite Pet (AFP) Competition and was presented the prestigious inaugural Colossal Kindness Award at PAWS' 56th annual Wild Night gala.
The grant enables PAWS to:
Extend reach to areas affected by natural disasters.
160 animals from California saved during extreme flooding.
130 animals saved from New Orleans.
Many animals rescued after the Maui fires.
Complete Snohomish Wildlife Center built on a secluded 25-acre site to rehabilitate wildlife.
Enhance PAWS' professional training programs.
Broaden its community outreach initiatives.
Create new educational programs tailored to underserved youth to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of animal welfare.
Offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to address the critical issue of pet overpopulation.
"This generous contribution has catalyzed PAWS' efforts to provide comprehensive care for thousands of cats and dogs. Many of these animals have been rescued from overcrowded shelters where euthanasia was imminent. Because of this generous grant, PAWS can provide safe shelter to animals like Odette, a senior dog with medical needs. Thanks to Colossal and DTCare, Odette was recently adopted into a loving home where her new family appreciates her calm nature and graying muzzle." –Heidi Wills Yamada, PAWS CEO
In 2024, Colossal continues to offer extraordinary experiences for competitors in a variety of fundraising campaigns, all in the name of charity. Past winners include the first-ever Super Mom, London Reber; the Skatepark Hero, Michael Manion; and the 2023 Favorite Chef, Karen Jenkins. Who's Next?
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